Riot Police Break Up Pro-Palestine Demo in Central Amsterdam
On Monday afternoon, riot police intervened to disperse a pro-Palestine demonstration near Amsterdam’s main railway station. According to Dutch news:The protesters refused to leave, leading to several arrests. Mayor Femke Halsema ordered the end of the demonstration due to public order offenses, including fireworks and confrontations with police. The protest coincided with a commemoration of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.
The demonstration began peacefully but escalated when some protesters set off fireworks and clashed with the police. The situation intensified as demonstrators attempted to disrupt a nearby pro-Israel gathering on Dam Square. The police made several arrests, although the exact number has not been disclosed.
Mayor Halsema emphasized the importance of maintaining public order while also defending the right to protest. She urged residents to support each other on this emotionally charged day, particularly for Jewish Amsterdammers. Halsema and Prime Minister Dick Schoof attended the official commemoration of the October 7 attacks, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the taking of 250 hostages.
The pro-Palestine protest was part of a series of sit-ins and demonstrations held nationwide, reflecting the ongoing tensions and strong emotions surrounding the conflict. Despite the clashes, the mayor reiterated the need for peaceful expression and mutual respect among the city’s diverse communities
